JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The families of Michael Dunn and Jordan Davis were permitted into the courtroom for the first time Wednesday, allowing them their first opportunity to see the proceedings in its third day.

A couple that appeared to be the parents of Michael Dunn sat in the back of the courtroom, behind prospective jurors, on the same side as the defendant. Dunn made direct eye contact with his parents when they were brought into the room, and his expression visibly softened.

The parents of Jordan Davis were also in attendance, seated in the back row on the other side of the courtroom.

The families gained access in part because of media demands to be present during jury selection -- a right affirmed by the U.S Supreme Court and presented to Judge Russell Healey by attorneys for First Coast News' the Florida Times Union and WJXT.